The Role of Rigid Fuel Lines in Power Generation Applications
Rigid fuel lines in power generation applications provide stability throughout a generator system. These vital fuel lines work to maintain optimized fuel flow in a system and play a pivotal role in ensuring vibration is minimized.
Whether it’s a custom option or a stock build, rigid fuel lines must factor multiple aspects into their design as well and certainly come equipped with their own set of benefits that impact an entire generator system.
RB Royal highlights the importance of these specific fuel lines and the overall role they play in power generation applications.
Why Rigid Fuel Lines Matter in Power Generation Applications
Any component that goes into a fuel system matters, but rigid fuel lines play a specific role in ensuring safe flow of the fluid source. These lines help maintain consistent fuel flow while reducing the risk of leaks in the system that traditionally runs for extended periods of time.
In a power generation application, it’s common to see rigid fuel lines manufactured with metallic materials that can withstand maximum fuel pump pressure. This supports generator durability and safety throughout the system.
Traditional Benefits
Rigid fuel lines differ from flexible fuel lines in more ways than just materials used and their applications in a power generation fuel system. Their benefits of course are different and unique to them as well as how they impact the overall fuel system.
One of the most important benefits is how rigid fuel lines provide improved mechanical robustness during continuous service and vibration. This allows power generation equipment to function properly and promotes safety during operation.
Rigid fuel lines also promote lower leakage risk in comparison to many flexible hose options because of the material used in manufacturing, like stainless steel, aluminum, or a coated steel. The material properties are able to withstand numerous types of fuel and in the case of stainless steel, there is a natural corrosion resistance within the material to protect not only the fuel line, but the system as a whole.
Lastly, rigid lines are commonly used in large, industrial settings because they are able to withstand the high pressures associated with a power generation system.
Design Considerations
When crafting the design for rigid fuel lines in your power generation application, it’s important to consider a few factors including: material selection, thermal expansion, generator environment, and expected lifecycle of the generator.
In material selection, consider stainless steel or seamless carbon steel for corrosion resistant properties and an ability to withstand high temperatures. It is best to avoid any galvanized or zinc-alloy materials because when they react with sulfur in diesel fuel, flakes from the lines can begin to enter the system and ruin injectors.
Isolating the vibrations of a generator system is one of the responsibilities of the rigid lines, and this is achievable with flexible couplings and support hangers. Rigid lines can never connect directly to the genset and must be terminated near the frame and bridge using flexible hoses. Support hangers such as a cushioned pipe hanger are used to prevent structural vibration from moving throughout facility walls, ceilings, and floors.
Considerations to thermal expansion focus on pressure drops and making sure supply lines are sized so total pressure drops from the storage tank to the engine do not exceed OEM limits.
Partner with RB Royal for High-Quality Rigid Fuel Lines in Your Power Generating Equipment
RB Royal is one of the most experienced and historic turnkey fluid transfer systems solutions manufacturers in the United States. Located roughly an hour away from Milwaukee, our 90,000 square foot facility allows us the space to design, engineer, manufacture, and provide part validation for your components.
Custom fuel lines at RB Royal can come in multiple shapes and sizes, and our rigid fuel lines are built with high quality materials capable of withstanding the most demanding conditions. Our Design-ufacturing program allows our customers to create the exact product they have envisioned, and we will ensure it’s manufacturable, then create it as such.
Quality management at RB Royal has been continuously ISO 9001 certified for the last 20 years and counting, and our customers know their orders are going to hit the mark every time.
Contact RB Royal for your rigid fuel lines in your power generation applications today.